David Brodati, DipWSET
|
Followers (4)
|
|
|
Following (0)
|
Reviews (619)
|
Reviews
Trius Distinction Sauvignon Blanc 2021, VQA Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$17.40
An excellent Savvy by Trius, showing medium intensity on the nose but that flavour intensity gets more amped on the palate. Good typicity showing that herbaceous grassy note we all expect along with citrus fruit (grapefruit, lime), and a white pepper spicy note reflecting barrel aging influence. There's also a really pleasing weighty mouthfeel (lees). As expected with SB, acidity is bright and the length is excellent. Great value here. March 2024.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
De Loach Durell Vineyard Pinot Noir 2009, Sonoma Coast
California, Usa$55.00
Opened this Cali Pinot for Thanksgiving and it matched beautifully with turkey dinner, drawing in the berry sweetness of cranbury sauce but having enough earthyness for the savoury stuffing. A lifted nose, with lovely concentrated fruit. It is plush with good structure including acidity and waning but still present tannins. Excellent length. Oct. 2014.
4.0 Stars
(0)
The Hedonist Shiraz 2009, Mclaren Vale, South Australia
South Australia, Australia$23.95
A lot going right with this dark ruby, magenta edged medium to full bodied shiraz. Chocolate, menthol and slightly gamey nose. Fruit forward with chocolate and pepper carrying through on the palate, but with a sour edge and acidity that offers some balance. Oak is nicely integrated. Great length and soft tannins. I would definitely grip it n' sip it!. July 2013.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Olivier & Lafont Gigondas 2013, Ac
Rhône, France$23.75
A lovely Gigondas offering very good Southern Rhone value. Red cherry and plum fruit, black pepper and subtle, well integrated oak influence of baking spice and pencil shavings. I detect some Brett coming through as a sweaty and barnyard funk, but not as a fault, more nuanced adding complexity. Tannin are moderate. Full bodied, balanced and very good to excellent length. Drinking well now, but will continue to evolve and be in a prime drinking window for an additional 5-7 years. May 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Cape Of Good Hope Serruria Chardonnay 2019, W.O. Elandskloof, Overberg
South Africa$25.75
This chard hits many marks - it's balanced, complex, intensely flavoured and long. Notes of yellow apple, peach, pineapple, caramel, spice and diacetyl (buttery) notes indicative of Malo conversion. Medium to full bodied with a lovely creamy mouthfeel indicating lees contact. The fruit's high elevation provides freshness and vibrant acidity. Great value here for fans of bigger oaked Chards but that still give a sense of freshness. Aug. 2023.
4.0 Stars
Flat Rock The Rusty Shed Chardonnay 2013, VQA Twenty Mile Bench, Niagara Peninsula
Ontario, Canada$26.95
Wow, given the quality relative to the price point for this Bench Chard, this is a steal. Aromas of apple, pear, melon, citrus with well integrated oak, creamy mouthfeel, balanced acidity and excellent length. Aug. 2016.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
El Maestro Sierra 12 Year Old Amontillado, Do Jerez Xérès Sherry (375ml)
Andalusia, Spain$20.75
This is a lovely Amontillado. Amber-tawny in the glass. Dry with much complexity exhibiting hazelnut, almond skin, toasty caramel, fig, marmalade/orange rind and a dusty character. Amontillado will show more body and be more oxidized than the lighter Fino and Manzanilla, due to the protective flor yeast dying off. The El Maestro Sierra clocks in at 17.5% ABV and some weight is felt on the palate. Well balanced, excellent length and warmth on the late palate. Try with seafood or sip on it's own. March 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Château La Nerthe Châteauneuf Du Pape 2010
Rhône, France$52.50
I was disappointed with this CdP relative to expectations. I found it quite closed. The nose eventually opened a bit with lots of time in the decanter, but I expected a 2010 to be more ready and expressive, particularly given the great vintage. Dark ruby, with faint fruit notes of black cherry. A slow reveal of spice, herb and graphite minerality. There's good structure, balance, soft tannin and very good length. I expected more. Perhaps needs more time, or I had a weird bottle, but I couldn't detect a specific fault (TCA, VA, overly reduced or oxidized). Jan. 2018.
4.0 Stars
(0)
Finca Constancia Altos De La Finca 2011, Vino De La Tierra De Castilla
Spain$21.95
This blend featuring Petit Verdot and Syrah, not surprisingly, shows dark fruit in the black cherry, cassis, black/blueberry realm with violet, black olive and meatiness to add complexity. 18 months of new oak is quite integrated and will coalesce further, revealing vanilla and a vague tarry molasses flavour. Structure is provided by juicy acidity, alcohol heat and still sticky granular tannin. Will yet improve with age as fruit concentration, tannin and oak continue to mind meld. Excellent length. 91-92 pts. June 2017.
4.0 Stars
(0)V
Schloss Schönborn Hattenheimer Pfaffenberg Riesling Kabinett 2018
Rheingau, Germany$25.95
This is a complex Kabinett Reingau Riesling from a warm vintage that offers flavours of peach, apricot, yellow apple, honey, lanolin and petrol. It comes across as sweeter than off-dry but not quite medium sweet. The balance between racy acidity and residual sugar is very well done. And the length is excellent to outstanding. Fine German Riesling can still be found at such an affordable price. This scores on complexity, length and typicity, and great value to boot. Pair this with spicy Asian cuisine. April 2022.
4.0 Stars
(0)V